A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr. Smart Omodunbi Jr., has formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of the party in the state.
Omodunbi made his declaration in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.
He said his decision to vie for the position was anchored on history, loyalty, and deep institutional knowledge of the party, noting that he had been part of the APC since its formative stage.
He said that he was actively involved when the foundation of the party was laid and had remained consistently engaged in its growth, structure, and internal processes over the years.
“I have worked closely with virtually all the founding members of our great party. While some of these leaders have passed on and others have been displaced by changing political circumstances, I have remained steadfast, bridging generations and tendencies within the party,” he said.
The chairmanship aspirant said his experience placed him in a unique position to understand the party’s journey and the direction it should take.
Omodunbi stated that at a time when party cohesion, discipline, and strategic organisation were critical to sustaining electoral success, the APC in Ondo State required leadership that understood its roots and respected its stakeholders.
He added that such leadership must be capable of effectively managing internal dynamics without alienation or division.
Quoting the Holy Scripture, Omodunbi said: “If the foundation be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?”
He described his declaration as a call to protect, strengthen, and reposition the foundation of the party through inclusive leadership, institutional stability, and strategic engagement with all party structures.
Omodunbi said he was offering himself for service out of a sense of responsibility to consolidate the party’s gains, restore confidence across its ranks, and prepare it for sustained unity and victory in future elections.